My baby talks a little awkward, his manner is reserved,
His intentions are brave, but he loses his nerve,
And if he come around to see me he's not assertive like he planned,
I understand baby is a tentative man.

He don't sit too close to me; I must scare him half to death,
If I brush against him, I hear him catch his breath,
And if he bring himself to touch me there's hesitation in his hand,
I understand baby is a tentative man.

Oh,
Yes, he is.

I say, 'Maybe it's time he's taking, maybe he's been badly burned,'
Maybe that's the way God made him ' I don't feel concerned,
'Cause if I catch his shining eyes I have found a love so grand,
I understand baby is a tentative man.

Oh, I understand,
I understand.